This document provides instructions for building a cross out of clothespins. It outlines 4 phases of construction: [1] preparing the clothespins by removing springs and gluing them together, [2] starting the basic cross shape by gluing pins together at right angles, [3] adding supporting pins to strengthen the form, and [4] finishing the cross arms and details. Emphasis is placed on proper alignment of pins and allowing glue to fully dry between steps. The finished cross can be stained or decorated as desired.

1. A CROSS TO SHARE
Building Your Cross To Share
Gene Chism

4. CONSTRUCTION OF A CROSS FROM
CLOTHESPINS

5. Clothespins, spring type 20
Clamps, spring type 4 ea.
Wax paper 8” x 8”
Flat piece of wood 4” x 8” – ¾”
Glue – Woodworking waterproof –
This is supplied free.
Brush – small for glue.
Sandpaper grit size 150 1 sheet
Sandpaper grit size 210 1 sheet
Block of wood for sanding 2 x 3
Hanger & screw
Newspaper for top of table
Paper cup – small
Paper towels 4
 Cost of above material is $10.50 or if
you wish you may do your own
shopping at one of the hobby supply
stores in the area.
SUPPLIES

6. 1. The first step is to
gather up 16
clothespins and I
suggest maybe 3 or 4 in
addition.
2. Inspect the pins for
roughness and lightly
sand if you find it
necessary.
PHASE 1

7. It is my belief that after you have
completed this project it will open
your eyes to the time needed in the
construction.
Please feel free to work on the
project at home. You can use this
time to glue the pins for the next
class.

8. DIRECTIONS
1. Remove springs.
2. Glue 1 pin back to back. Use your wax paper to separate the pin
being glued from another object.
3. Glue balance of pins (15) face to face. Being careful to keep them
aligned properly. These pins should be glued a few at a time and
held tightly together for a good bond. Allow glue to set overnight.
Clamps may be removed after 30 – 45 minutes.
4. At this point you are ready to start the construction of your cross.
5. Start placement of pins to form cross but only 2 or 3 pins at a time.
By following this detail of the construction you have better control
of the assembly process. Use the pin from number 2 above to
form the foundation of the cross.

9. 1. Take apart the pins but
keep them in pairs.
2. Now that you have
disassembled the pins you
will want to glue 1 pin as
shown in the far upper right
side of the picture. This is
glued back to back.
3. The other 15 pins will be
glued as shown the 2nd
from the right. Make certain
that you align the pins.
4. The springs may be thrown
away unless you can think
of another use for them. A
possibility would be to
make a bracelet for the
grand-daughter.
PHASE 2

10. 1. You will use the one pin
that is glued back to
back to start the cross.
2. To this add a normal
glued pin to the bottom
as shown in left photo.
3. The next step is to add
supporting pins to the
basic as seen in the
upper right photo.
4. Now we start to add and
this will strengthen the
cross.
5. We will move on to the
next phase.
PHASE 3

11. DIRECTIONS
You must be careful in the construction making certain that the pins
are aligned properly. If not, the cross will not be constructed
correctly and perhaps be weak.
As you apply glue be certain to wipe off any excess glue from the
pin or pins. Use a paper towel or cloth that is damp. Not wet but
damp. If too much water comes in contact with the glue then the
glue joint will not be strong.
Sand your cross and apply the finish of your choice.

12. Here we start the arms of the
cross and at this point we are
attaching the pins without much
contact being given. Please be
careful, as this will determine
the strength of the cross.
Notice how we have on the left
side started to add the three
pins. Before we complete these
with glue we have added
another pin to the original
vertical pin. This helps to give
support and tie the group
together.
After this part has had time to
set, we start on the right side
and repeat the placement.
PHASE 4

13. A finished picture of your
project. You may paint, stain
and add to this as you wish.
We leave a lot to your
imagination and skills. It is
possible to find miniature
flowers at one of the hobby
stores to decorate the cross
In the assembly of the cross, it
is very important that the
joining of the parts are in good
contact with each piece and
that the glue is allowed to
harden over night before any
stress is used in handling the
parts. We cannot emphasize
this enough Some of the
connection are very delicate
and do not allow much of a
surface contact for gluing.
THIS IS YOUR CROSS TO SHARE

14. STAIN FINISH STAIN FINISH WITH MINIATURE FLOWERS
AT LAST FINISHED, BUT YOU HAVE TO
MAKE THE CHOICE OF HOW YOU WISH TO
FINISH YOUR CROSS.